Views from the Jumpseat

Ebola has consumed the worldwide news media, spreading the information for us all to consume. And, some is accurate and some certainly is not. Twenty-four-hour access to this information can lead to a better informed citizen, but also to some unfounded...

Walk into any fire station and look around. What you find is a group of firefighters, officers, and chiefs that come from every walk of life and each has a different level of education, experience, and motivation. These different levels can come...

Today’s firefighters have 24/7 access to the happenings around the world, almost on a “as they are happening” basis. With this information is coming education and awareness to the required adjustment in procedures, tactics, and teamwork.

Should every firefighter be held to the hero status, no matter what the circumstances?
As I returned from Firehouse Expo 2013 and a wonderful Florida vacation, I sat down to read a stirring article about the death of a young firefighter and the...

As busy summer keeps us all running around, between our kids' functions, vacations, and celebrations, we all need to stop and analyze just how hot our last structural fire was.
Being the aggressive firefighters that we are, sometimes it can get us...

As the men and women who ride in the jumpseat, we have a certain level of responsibility to our officers. Following orders and performing to their expectations are two things that remain constant on every run we go on. Performing our tasks to their...

What is the biggest honor that you have ever received in the fire service? From a medal of valor to recognition for 20 years of service, the fire service hands out many reminders of good times and good work.
Recently I received the biggest reward my...

If you have an emergency and need assistance, the firefighters nearest you will be in the best spot to help -- if they are not experiencing the same emergency. Are you prepared to help a fellow firefighter in their time of need?